LOCAL HAZARDS

Department of Emergency Management

The Island County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) works directly with the Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the State Homeland Security Region 1 which includes Island, San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties.

Hazard Mitigation

OUR MISSION:

The DEM is responsible for emergency management within Island County to include planning and coordinating actions for the preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery from natural and man-made emergencies and disasters. DEM provides hazard information, coordinates and provides emergency training for county residents and first responders. The DEM also operates the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when it is activated.

Island County Emergency Alerts

Island County is able to send you emergency alerts via text message, email, pager, or voice mail (in extreme cases), based on your preferences. It is important that we collect this contact information because many households no longer utilize traditional land-based telephone lines.

The system is intended to be used for emergency alerts, as well as non-emergency incidents that may have significant impacts to residents. Emergency Alerts could be related to specific hazards that require some kind of action be taken such as evacuation, shelter in place, boil water orders, etc. Non-emergency alerts could include significant transportation problems with prolonged impacts or significant ongoing police or fire activity. This list is not meant to be all inclusive, and demonstrates that this system will not be used for routine information. In addition to receiving information on your wireless device, you may also receive notification on your land telephone line (if you have one) depending on the type of incident or event.

Are YOU Ready for Winter Weather?

Take Winter By Storm and get ready before the the winds blow and the snow flies! Don't let our normal relatively benign weather lull you into security. DEM has detailed emergency plans in place. But, you too need to take these steps to get ready:

Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home and office. Kits prepared for vehicle road travel and winter weather evacuation go-kits are also advised.

Make a plan and practice the plan with your family and those who depend on you.

Use the tools on this page to help you get prepared. Share them with those you love (family, friends, neighbors, and community members) to help them get prepared, too.

Widespread flooding is more of a problem for Skagit County but it can disrupt routine resupply of Whidbey Island and the Stillaguamish can create problems for Camano Island. Water saturated soil will cause landslides. Be aware of the potential in your area. Local flooding from storm drains is likely and sand bags are available to purchase at Skagit Farmers Supply, Home Depot and other retailers. Power outages are to be expected, be prepared—PSE is prepared and you can report outages at 1-888-225-5773.